Miss Minnesota Organization - Q&A with Miss MN

Jennifer, you’ve had a really busy month of traveling. Let’s start with… how was the cruise?
It was my first cruise ever, so that was really exciting! Unfortunately, due to bad weather, we didn’t actually get to go to the Bahamas, but we went to Key West and Cozumel instead.

What were the highlights?
The food! It was fantastic. I roomed with North Carolina, who is such a sweet girl. And spending Halloween dressed up with the other titleholders was really fun.

There were 32 of you on the cruise, and then just a few days later you met the rest of them for TLC filming in Los Angeles. What can you tell us about that? Are you completely sworn to secrecy?
I can’t say much, but I can tell you that we competed in challenges, somewhat similar to Pageant School, and all the challenges were really fun. We were also given makeovers, and I love my new look! You’ll have to tune in to see all the details... Minnesota will be proud!

What was the best part of being in L.A.?
The “reality” part of the filming... at night, when we were just hanging out – 12 to a room! – being ourselves. We played Mafia a lot during down time… one time for 4 hours!

Did you learn anything about the direction Miss America is headed with the January show?
It’s going to be so exciting. TLC really wants to make Miss America a celebrity again, so the pageant is going to be more high fashion and less pageant patty.

Has that impacted your preparation choices at all?
Actually, yes – we’ve completely redesigned my evening gown now… and I’m not going to wear a business suit for my interview. Everyone who comes to the gown showing (January 12th) will get to see my entire Miss America wardrobe!

We’re in the midst of winter holiday season… what’s your favorite holiday?
Halloween! I love dressing up, and I’m a guru of scary movies… the cheesier, the better!

How did you celebrate Thanksgiving?
Well, my mom was on call to fly, so we decided to celebrate a week early. I worked on Black Friday (as a personal shopper at Macy’s), and I have never seen so many shoppers pushing and shoving. It’s crazy.

You’ve been Miss Minnesota for over 5 months now. What has been the best part?
Making school visits, talking with the children and sharing about my platform (Autism Awareness). They’re so interested in hearing what I have to say, and they’re excited to learn! And I love the questions they ask… “Do you live in a castle?”

What’s your favorite question?
“Do you like schools or airplanes better?” I answered, “Both! I graduated from college, so I spent a lot of time learning in schools, and my mom is a flight attendant, so I have to like airplanes too!”

Is there anything that has surprised you?
The level of “Minnesota Nice” in the smaller communities is wonderful and overwhelming. People I’ve never met before have taken me into their homes and fed me and cared for me… they’re amazing and so trusting, and I’ll always be grateful for their warmth and generosity.

Next time, we’ll chat with Jenn about her preparations for Miss America, how she has implemented her platform, and what she wants to be when she grows up.

Is there something you’ve always wanted to know about Miss Minnesota? Email missmnweb@gmail.com, and your question could be featured in the next Q&A!